Lux's hands trembled as he looked at the brown mud monster lying dead on the ground. It looked just as it had in the air a massive brown mass with tentacles at the bottom. Its mouth on the side was closed, but its tongue stuck out slightly. A disgusting sight. Lux glanced at Fie. She was silent, staring at the corpse, seemingly searching for any signs that it might still be alive. There were none.
Lux looked up. Black letters hovered in the air, trembling with tension. He was astonished.
[You have received: Existence of the Mud Monster 1/3]
Lux didn't understand. Existence? But the chain system didn't leave him unanswered. After a few seconds, the explanation appeared:
"If you reach the goal, you can recreate the monster, and it will fight for you! But be careful it could turn on you!"
Lux murmured,"So, a fighter that helps me, but could betray me?"
It was good to know. If the opportunity arose, he would try it but he doubted he would get the chance to kill two more mud monsters. They were Rank 5, and there were a total of eight ranks, measured by the monster's strength.
Fie noticed Lux's tense expression."What is it? Did you get something?"
Lux nodded and grinned."The Existence… of the monster."
Fie tilted her head to the side, as if she didn't understand."The Existence? Of the monster? What can you do with it?"
Lux hesitated. Maybe it wasn't the right moment to explain everything to her. Could he trust her? The truth was no they hadn't even known each other for a full day. Revealing his abilities could be a disadvantage, though also an advantage in battle.
Lux nodded."It doesn't give any special powers. It just makes you a little stronger."
He decided to wait. Once he got another Existence and knew Fie better, he would tell her the truth. For now, the lie would have to do.
Fie nodded."Hm, okay. So nothing special? Shame."
Lux nodded, then turned his gaze toward the powerful castle. They had indeed run in the right direction during their escape. They were a little closer, though it didn't seem significant. He estimated it would take three or four days to reach the castle. Behind it gleamed a massive blue crystal. What awaited them there?
Lux had an idea. He went to the dead monster's body and pulled the small knife from its side. He looked at Fie."Do you think we could eat its flesh?"
Fie made a funny face."No thanks. The monster probably spent its whole life in this mud. I'll pass."
Lux put the knife away and sighed. She was right. That was the challenge with a completely new world if they were unlucky, they might find nothing edible. And more importantly water. Where would they get water?
Their thirst wasn't severe, so they kept the thought in the back of their minds. Maybe they would find a puddle along the way. The very thought of drinking from one made Lux shiver.
He collected himself again and looked Fie in the eyes, speaking more seriously."Let's keep moving. Night will fall in a few hours. Who knows what kind of creatures wander around here?"
Fie nodded in agreement. They had to move quickly. Ahead stretched only wide open land no trees, just a long grassy plain. In the distance, they could see the castle. It was black with a few towers, and the blue crystal shimmered in the sunlight.
Lux and Fie continued straight ahead. The blazing sun reflected off their armor. The mud on it had dried, cracking in places. As they walked, the mud crumbled and more of their armor was revealed. After a few steps, Mike's leather armor was almost completely clean. Fie's white armor was free of mud too, though it no longer gleamed like it had hours ago.
They continued, sweat pouring from their bodies like a waterfall. Hygiene was forgotten—they didn't even have water to wash. After a few hours, Fie stopped, panting. She clutched her stomach, looking down and gasping."I—I can't… let's stay here for the night!"
The sun still shone for a few more minutes, but it would soon set. They needed to stay. Fie didn't know how dangerous the night would be. Lux nodded."Okay. Let's stay here."
He looked around. They were in a tall grassy area. They could lie down perfectly hidden. The grass would feel as soft as clouds a perfect sleeping spot.
But there was a problem. The area was unprotected. No walls or barriers to block monsters. They had no choice and had to accept the dangerous situation.
Without warning, Fie removed her white armor. Beneath it, she wore a leather tunic and cloth pants. She laid the armor pieces aside, along with the belt holding her knife and sword. Then she looked at Lux.
Lux blushed. Had she caught him staring? Luckily, she didn't care."Okay. Here's the plan. I'll sleep the first half of the night, and you watch so we don't get eaten. Then wake me, and I'll take over until morning, okay?"
A good idea. This way, each of them would get some sleep. After all the excitement, that was exactly what Lux wanted.
He nodded."Agreed. I'll wake you when the moon is at its peak."
Fie grinned."Thanks. Good night!"
Lux grinned back."Good night!"
A little time passed and it quickly became dark. The bright moon cast its white light, and the sun quickly disappeared beyond the horizon. Lux looked up the dark sky glittered with countless stars, a beautiful sight. The stars twinkled, and the moonlight shone directly onto the field.
Lux remembered his childhood. His mother and he would sneak out sometimes and watch the stars for hours. Lux smiled, then shifted his gaze from the sky downwards. He could barely make out the outlines of the tall grass. If something attacked, he would need to react quickly. For a moment, however, the world seemed peaceful.
Lux grinned. He didn't know what the future held, but he definitely didn't want to end up like Byl. So he made an effort to stay awake and watch the surroundings. They were lucky. The moon had reached its peak, and they had not yet been torn apart by any cold-blooded monsters.
Lux slowly drifted into sleep. He forgot everything. His eyes closed, all his thoughts switched off, and he sank into slumber. It felt like only two seconds passed. Then Lux felt a hand on his shoulder. Were they being attacked? Was it too late?
He startled awake, but all that awaited him was a slightly angry Fie."You idiot, you fell asleep! Th-that could have been dangerous!"
Lux took a few seconds to realize what had happened, then it hit him."O-oh, I'm sorry, I really fell asleep!"
Lux's hand wandered to the back of his head. An embarrassing moment for him, but she was right it could have been dangerous. They had been lucky."Okay, it won't happen again, I promise!"
Lux waited for Fie's reaction. Her expression slowly returned to normal."Okay, if you promise, it's fine!"
Lux grinned sheepishly. He was embarrassed. If they had been attacked, it would have been the end. This must not happen again. He shook his head and looked around.
The red morning sky rose over the landscape. The moon was still faintly visible. As the red morning sun slowly climbed the sky, it signaled the beginning of a new day they could leave early.
Just before setting out, Lux started a conversation."Thanks for trusting me… and, well, I'm sorry if I disappointed you." He mumbled.
Fie's expression changed from neutral to sad, as if she felt a little pity."Okay, it was partly my fault too. I could have woken up. Let's forget it now and go!" She grinned.
Lux wanted to nod, but suddenly he noticed a huge shadow on the ground. It came from the sky. Lux immediately looked up and saw a massive red dragon."W-what?!"